ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Defence
Indian Navy Continues Relief Operations at Cyclone Affected Areas in Balasore
The Navy Disaster Relief Team was deployed on 27 May 21at Sadar block of Balasore district for carrying out relief activities in the area around Parikhi village which is worst affected due to water logging.
The HADR Naval team have set up and operationalised a Community Kitchen at the Multipurpose Cyclone Shelter of Parikhi Village, Sadar block. Meals were prepared and distributed at fisherman colonies of Budhigadiya, Nandachak, Boulbeni at Parikhi village for over 700 personnel. The community kitchen has been a big success and has provided much-needed succour to the affected people and they expressed gratitude for the timely service provided during the disaster.
Another Naval Relief team is scheduled to proceed for Talasari  to distribute relief material in affected areas of Talasari, Bhograi, Chandramani and Inchundi villages on 28 May 21.
The team has also carried out tree cutting/ clearance of certain roads at Balasore. Four naval ships with relief material have already reached Dhamra anchorage to provide relief to the people of the Bhadrak district. The helicopters from the ships were launched to augment the efforts at Balasore district. They supplied 100 prepared food material packets and 300 dry provision packets to the relief team for distribution.
Department of Space
Dr. K Sivan, Chairman, ISRO briefs media in Bengaluru
A Press Meet was organized today, at ISRO Headquarters, Bengaluru on the occasion of the forthcoming launch of India’s Chandrayaan-2 mission to Moon. Dr K Sivan, Chairman, ISRO addressed and interacted with regional, national and international media persons during the meet.
Dr Sivan outlined ISRO’s vision on space science and interplanetary missions.
Understanding the secrets of the inner solar system is an aspiration of both national and international scientific community. Specifically talking about Chandrayaan-2, he announced “The launch of Chandrayaan-2 onboard GSLV MkIII-M1 is planned on July 15, 2019 at 02.51 Hrs from Sriharikota”. Further, he said the soft landing of the Vikram lander of Chandrayaan-2 on the Moon’s surface is likely to be on September 06, 2019. The briefing included the scientific objectives, challenges and benefits of the mission.
The Chairman also provided details on the orbiter, lander and rover as well as the challenging tasks of navigating to the Moon and inserting the spacecraft into lunar orbit. Dr Sivan then specially mentioned about the highly demanding task of soft landing on the lunar surface and termed it as “15 terrifying minutes”
Earlier during the day, the media persons had an opportunity to view Chandrayaan-2 orbiter and lander at ISRO Satellite Integration and Test Establishment , Bengaluru.
The briefing by Chairman, ISRO was followed by an extensive interactive session with the media.
Ministry of Development of North-East Region
Chief Minister of Meghalaya Shri Conrad Sangma called on Union DoNER Minister Dr Jitendra Singh at New Delhi and discussed progress of various Central Schemes.
Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad Sangma, along with Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and a team of senior Ministers, today called on the Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region  and discussed the progress of various centrally funded projects in the State.
Dr Jitendra Singh told Mr Sangma and his team that the Modi government gives highest priority to the North Eastern region and Meghalaya is also being given its due share of funds and sanction of new projects. He recalled that immediately before the lockdown, the first North Eastern State visited by him was incidentally Meghalaya.
Dr Jitendra Singh pointed out to the Chief Minister that on his request, the projects proposed by the State government are also being determined as per the priority.
The DoNER Ministry, he said, is also coordinating closely with the Jal Shakti Ministry to achieve the targets of providing clean tap water to every household under “Jal Abhiyan”.
Mr. Sangma thanked Dr Jitendra Singh for always being supportive about the proposals sent by the State government. He sought the Minister’s intervention for the sanction of additional funds for ongoing projects.
Mr. Sangma, along with his team of Ministers, also submitted a Memorandum to Dr Jitendra Singh requesting for additional sanctions under NLCPR component of infrastructure for the construction of Shillong International Centre for Performing Art and Culture.
Dr Jitendra Singh assured Mr Sangma that he would get the proposal evaluated. However, he said, most of the funds in the Ministry of DoNER and the North Eastern Council allocated for Meghalaya for the current financial year have already been made available to the State.
Dr Jitendra Singh also discussed with Chief Minister the issue of upgradation of the Shillong Airport. He said, it is very important to utilise the tourist potential of scenic destinations to its maximum extent.
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Ministry of Defence
Closing ceremony: inaugural edition of AFINDEX-19 Culminates with an impressive closing ceremony at Pune on 27 March 19
The inaugural edition of the Africa-India Field Training Exercise-2019  culminated on 27 March 2019 after a validation exercise and an impressive closing ceremony at Foreign Training Node, Aundh Military Station, Pune. General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff witnessed the closing ceremony alongwith other dignitaries included senior military officers of the Indian Army and representatives of 17 African nations namely Benin, Botswana, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The Indian contingent was represented by MARATHA Light Infantry . The validation exercise showcased various tactical drills which included protection of civilians, establishment of standing combat deployment, convoy protection, patrolling aspects and neutralisation of improvised explosive devices which were practiced as part of joint exercise for the past 10 days. AFINDEX-19 demonstrated the commitment and capabilities of the participating nations in working closely with each other in Humanitarian Mine Assistance and Peace Keeping Operations under the United Nations mandate. The exercise was also attended by observers from three African nations i.e. Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Mozambique.
The validation exercise was followed by equipment display organised under the aegis of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry  at Aundh Military Station. General Bipin Rawat and other senior army officers witnessed more than 11 categories of indigenously developed defence related equipment displayed by various agencies to include Ordnance Factories, Defence and Research Development Organisation , leading private sector companies and startups to showcase some of the latest weapon systems and vehicles produced indigenously.
During the closing address, General Bipin Rawat brought out that the exercise has been a grand success with the troops of all participating nations showing impeccable training standards and mutual cooperation. He congratulated the participating nations for showing great enthusiasm and zeal during the entire duration of AFINDEX-19. He also interacted with the contingents and Defence Attaches of the participating nations after the closing ceremony.
The social interactions between the contingents have also contributed towards developing better interpersonal relations and bonds of friendship across geographical boundaries and the exercise has been a landmark event to promote values of Peace, Prosperity, International Brotherhood and Trust amongst the participating nations.
Lt Col Mohit Vaishnava
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Ministry of Mines
Production of Minerals During April-December 2021-22 Shows 16 per cent Cumulative Growth
Magnesite, Gold, Coal, Lignite, Bauxite & Chromite Production Achieve Significant Growth
The index of mineral production of mining and quarrying sector for the month of December, 2021  at 120.3, was 2.6% higher as compared to the level in the month of December, 2020. As per the provisional statistics of Indian Bureau of Mines , the cumulative growth for the period April- December, 2021-22 over the corresponding period of previous year has increased 16.0%.
Production level of important minerals in December, 2021 were: Coal 748 lakh tonnes, Lignite 39 lakh tonnes, Natural gas  2814 million cu. m., Petroleum  25 lakh tonnes, Bauxite 2492 thousand tonnes, Chromite 384 thousand tonnes, Copper conc. 10 thousand tonnes , Gold 106 kg, Iron ore 209 lakh tonnes, Lead conc. 28 thousand tonnes, Manganese ore 273 thousand tonnes, Zinc conc. 126 thousand tonnes, Limestone 309 lakh tonnes, Phosphorite 110 thousand tonnes, Magnesite 11 thousand tonnes and Diamond 70 carat.
The production of important minerals showing positive growth during December, 2021 over December, 2020 include: Magnesite , Gold , Bauxite , Lignite , Natural gas  , Coal  and Chromite . The production of other important minerals showing negative growth is: Petroleum  , Zinc conc. , Iron ore , Manganese ore , Limestone , Copper conc , Lead conc , Phosphorite  and Diamond .
MV/AKN/RKP
Ministry of Heavy Industries
Sale of Stakes of State Owned Companies
Department of Investment and Public Asset Management  has informed that the Government has given ‘in-principle’ approval for strategic disinvestment of 28 CPSEs including Subsidiaries, Units and Joint Ventures with sale of majority stake of Government of India and transfer of management control. The proceeds from strategic sale will depend on various factors, including market conditions, at the time of actual sale.
This information was given by the Minister for Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Arvind GanpatSawant, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Amendment of consumer protection  rules, 2020 proposed to strengthen the regulatory framework for prevention of unfair trade practices in e commerce : Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey
The Consumer Protection  Rules, 2020 were notified on 23rd July, 2020. In order to further strengthen the regulatory framework for prevention of unfair trade practices in e-commerce, Central Government has sought views/ comments/ suggestions on the proposed amendments to the Rules by placing it on the website of the Department of Consumer Affairs. The proposed amendments also include provisions related to flash sales.
This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Tourism
Punaura Dham included under PRASHAD Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism: Shri G. Kishan Reddy
As per the request received from the State Government of Bihar, Ministry of Tourism has included Punaura Dham in the Ramayana circuit of Swadesh Darshan Scheme. The destination of Punaura Dham has been recently included under PRASHAD Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism.
Details of the projects approved under Swadesh Darshan Scheme for the State of Bihar is given below:
- Development of Thirthankar Circuit in Vaishali- Arrah- Masad- Patna- Rajgir- Pawapuri- Champapuri under Jain theme, approved in the year 2016-17 at the cost of Rs. 37.20 Cr. A amount of Rs. 26.11 Cr. has been released till date.
- Integrated Development of Spiritual Circuit at Sultanganj – Dharmshala - Deoghar under Spiritual theme, approved in the year 2016-17 at the cost of Rs. 44.76 Cr. A amount of Rs. 42.52 Cr. has been released till date.
- Development of Buddhist circuit - Construction of Convention Centre at Bodhgaya approved in the year 2016-17 at the cost of Rs. 98.73 Cr. A amount of Rs. 93.22 Cr. has been released till date.
- Development of Gandhi Circuit: Bhitiharwa - Chandrahia - Turkaulia under Rural theme approved in the year 2017-18 at the cost of Rs. 44.65 Cr. An amount of Rs. 35.72 Cr. has been released till date.
- Development of Pilgrimage Circuit in Mandar Hill & Ang Pradesh under Spiritual theme approved in the year 2017-18 at the cost of Rs. 47.53 crore. A amount of Rs. 38.02 Cr. has been released till date.
This information was given by Minister of Tourism Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Finance
Direct Tax collections  for the Financial Year  2022-23 exceed the Union Budget Estimates by Rs 2.41 lakh crore i.e. by 16.97%
Direct Tax collections  for the FY 2022-23 exceed Revised Estimates by 0.69%
Gross Direct Tax collections  for the FY 2022-23 stand at Rs. 19.68 lakh crore registering a growth of 20.33%
Net Direct Tax collections  for the FY 2022-23 stand at Rs. 16.61 lakh crore marking a growth of 17.63%
Refunds aggregating to Rs. 3,07,352 crore issued in FY 2022-23
The provisional figures of Direct Tax collections for the Financial Year  2022-23 show that Net collections are at Rs. 16.61 lakh crore, compared to Rs. 14.12 lakh crore in the preceding Financial Year i.e. FY 2021-22, representing an increase of 17.63%.
The Budget Estimates  for Direct Tax revenue in the Union Budget for FY 2022-23 were fixed at Rs.14.20 lakh crore which were revised and the Revised Estimates  were fixed at Rs.16.50 lakh crore. The provisional Direct Tax collections  have exceeded the BE by 16.97% and RE by 0.69 %.
The Gross collection  of Direct Taxes  for the FY 2022-23 stands at Rs. 19.68 lakh crore showing a growth of 20.33 % over the gross collection of Rs.16.36 lakh crore in FY 2021-22.
The gross Corporate Tax collection  in FY 2022-23 is at Rs.10,04,118 crore and has shown a growth of 16.91% over the gross corporate tax collection of Rs.8,58,849 crore of the preceding year.
The gross Personal Income Tax collection   in FY 2022-23 is at Rs.9,60,764 crore and has shown a growth of 24.23% over the gross Personal Income Tax collection  of Rs.7,73,389 crore of the preceding year.
Refunds of Rs.3,07,352 crore have been issued in the FY 2022-23 showing an increase of 37.42 % over the refunds of Rs.2,23,658 crore issued in FY 2021-22.
Ministry of Railways
Railways successfully operated two long haul freight trains ‘Trishul’ and ‘Garuda’ for the first time over South Central Railway
Long haul train to provide effective solution of capacity constraints
Saving of path across congested routes, quicker transit time, maximizing throughput of critical sections and saving in crews are the major Benefits
Indian Railways has successfully operated two long haul freight trains “Trishul" and “Garuda" for the first time over South Central Railway. Long haul trains, which are twice or multiple times longer than the normal composition of freight trains, provide a very effective solution to the problem of capacity constraints in critical sections.
Trishul is SCR’s first long haul comprising of three freight trains, i.e., 177 wagons. This train was started on 07.10.2021 from Kondapalli station of Vijayawada division to Khurda division of East Coast Railway. SCR followed it up with running of yet another similar one named Garuda on 08.10.2021 from Raichur of Guntakal division to Manuguru of Secunderabad division. In both the cases the long haul trains comprised of empty open wagons for loading of coal meant for predominantly thermal power stations.
SCR is a one of the five major freight loading railways on IR. Bulk of SCR’s freight traffic moves in certain arterial routes such as Visakhapatnam-Vijayawada-Gudur-Renigunta, Ballarshah-Kazipet-Vijayawada, Kazipet-Secunderabad-Wadi, Vijayawada-Guntur-Guntakal sections. As bulk of its freight traffic has to pass through these major routes, it is essential for SCR to maximize throughput available across these critical sections.
Saving of path across congested routes, quicker transit time, maximizing throughput of critical sections, saving in crews are the major operational benefits of running long haul trains, which help IR serve its freight customers better.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah expresses his gratitude to the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for taking the empathetic decision of increasing the maximum entry age from 21 years to 23 years by giving two years relaxation in the first year of 'Agnipath Yojana’
A large number of youth will be benefited by this decision and through ‘Agnipath Yojana’, they will move towards giving service to the Nation and a bright future
The recruitment process in the Army was affected due to the Covid-19 pandemic for the last two years, keeping this in mind the Union Government has decided to increase the maximum entry age from 21 years to 23 years by giving two years relaxation in the first year of recruitment under the ‘Agnipath Yojana’
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah has expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for taking the empathetic decision of increasing the maximum entry age from 21 years to 23 years by giving two years relaxation in the first year of 'Agnipath Yojana’.
The Union Home Minister through his tweets has said that "the recruitment process in the Army was affected due to the Covid-19 pandemic for the last two years, therefore the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, empathizing with the youths who crossed the age limit, has taken the decision to increase the maximum entry age from 21 years to 23 years by giving relaxation of two years in the age limit in the first year of recruitment under the 'Agnipath Yojana'.
Shri Amit Shah said that “A large number of youth will be benefited by this decision and through the ‘Agnipath Yojana’, they will move towards giving service to the Nation and a bright future. I express my gratitude to Shri Narendra Modi for this."
Vice President's Secretariat
We need rigorous empirical research to make good, people-centric policies: Vice President
Releases the book ‘Staniya Svasasan Mei Addhi Aabadhi’
The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that we need rigorous empirical research to make good, people-centric policies. He was addressing the gathering after releasing the book ‘Staniya Svasasan Mei Addhi Aabadhi’ authored by Dr. Sadhana Pandey, in New Delhi today.
The Vice President quoted a report based on a sample survey of women representatives elected to the position of Sarpanch in gram panchayats:
- Most of women elected to these positions are in the age group pf 26-36 years, married, living in nuclear families, completed secondary school and are from middle income category.
- All women across all age and income groups have highlighted education as the most important factor for women’s advancement in all fields including politics.
- The younger generation was much more aware of the need to focus on development issues like health, environment, planned motherhood and economic independence.
- The younger generation showed a greater open-ness to modernity but at the same time were not willing to completely do away with the past. Most of the women still accepted that the society continues to be dominated by men.
- Most women recognized the importance of radio and television in enhancing awareness but also felt some films to be inappropriate for younger audiences
- There was a very clear awareness of the new possibilities for women to grow along with men
- There was a general feeling that more should be done for rural areas by both the officials and the political executive
The Vice President said that it is an empirical study that captures the voices of the rural women who are occupying positions of authority at the local level. He further said that It can help the policy makers to understand the perspectives of women representatives and address the key issues of education, health, nutrition, information sharing, economic independence and empowerment.
The Vice President commended the author on this valuable effort and hope that she and other researchers will do similar surveys in other parts of India.
Ministry of Defence
HONY COMMISSION FOR ARMY PERSONNEL
The list of Army personnel who have been honoured with honorary commissions on the occasion of 74th Independence Day-2020 is attached to this e-mail.
Note:- All due care has been taken in preparation of the list of candidates who have made it to the merit and conferred Honorary Captain and Honorary Lieutenant on active list on occasion of Independence Day 2020. However, this list should not be taken as an authority for claiming Honorary Commission. The final authority on conferment of Honorary Commission is the Draft Gazette Notification of India, which can be obtained from respective Record Offices or Headquarter Commands.
Attached file
Ministry of Finance
CBDT consolidates Circulars for ease of compliance of Start-ups
In order to provide hassle-free tax environment to the Start-ups, a series of announcements have been made by Union Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in her General Budget Speech, 2019, and also on 23rd August 2019. To give effect to these announcements, the Central Board of Direct Taxes  issued various circulars/clarifications in the matter from time to time. Vide Circular No.22/2019 dated 30.08.2019, CBDT has consolidated all the circulars/clarifications issued on this subject for the ease of compliance of Start-up entities. The present circular inter alia highlights the following:-
- Simplification of process of assessment of Start-ups: Circular No. 16/2019 dated 7th of August, 2019 provided for the simplified procedure of assessment of Start-ups recognized by DPIIT. The circular covered cases under “limited scrutiny”, cases where multiple issues including issue of section 56 were involved or cases where Form No.2 was not filed by the Start-up entity. Detailed process of obtaining mandatory approval of the supervisory authorities for conducting enquiry was also laid down by this circular.
- Time limit for Completion of pending assessments of Start-ups: The time limit for completion of pending assessments was also specified by CBDT. All cases involving “limited scrutiny” were to be completed preferably by 30th September, 2019 and the other cases of Start-ups were to be disposed off on priority, preferably by 31st October, 2019.
- Procedure for addition made u/s 56 in the past assessment: Vide clarification issued on 9th August,2019 it was provided that the provisions of section 56 of the Act would also not be applicable in respect of assessment made before 19th February, 2019 if a recognised Start-up had filed declaration in Form No. 2. The timelines for disposal of appeals before CsIT was also specified. Further, the addition made under section 56 would also not be pressed in further appeal.
- Income-tax demand: It has been reiterated time and again by CBDT that outstanding income-tax demand relating to additions made under section 56 would not be pursued and no communication in respect of outstanding demand would be made with the Start-up entity. Other income-tax demand of the Start-ups would not be pursued unless the demand was confirmed by ITAT.
- Constitution of Start-up Cell: Vide order dated 30.08.2019, CBDT has constituted a Start-up Cell under the aegis of Member, CBDT to redress grievances and to address various tax related issues in the cases of Start-ups. Grievances can also be filed online at startupcell.cbdt[at]gov[dot]in.
The Circular No.22/2019 dated 30.08.2019 is available on www.incometaxindia.gov.in.